GREENWOOD HEIGHTS — The reward for information in the slaying of a businessman in South Slope last month has been upped to $22,000.
The mayor's office added $10,000 to the existing $12,000 reward pot for tips that lead to an arrest for the death of Jesus Morales, 67, who was attacked and robbed about 7:15 p.m. on Jan. 9, in front of 255 18th St. near Fifth Avenue.
Morales, who lived in Merrick, Long Island, and owned Ramirez Travel Service on Fifth Avenue and 16th Street, was on his way home from work when a masked robber threw him to the ground, police said. Morales suffered head wounds and was taken to Lutheran Medical Center, where he died.
At least two witnesses saw the attacker, who was dressed all in black, and police released a photo of Morales' stolen gold wedding band. Morales, who was known as Jesse, was married for 25 years to his wife, Esmeralda, and had a 22-year-old daughter.
Anyone with information on the Morales homicide should call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
